The local river is producing some of the most incredible fishing ever heard of at present, with the waterway absolutely teeming with murray cod and yellowbelly.
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Most of the cod catches seem to be in the 45 - 65cm range, with the odd big bruiser above the legal slot limit being encountered, emerging from the shadows when least expected.
Edward Thompson, Todd Erickson and Gus Thompson had such an encounter on a recent fishing and skiing trip on the Macquarie River near Dubbo, successfully catching and releasing the fish of a lifetime at an estimated length of over 110cm.
The trio proudly let the big old Murray cod go after some quick photos as required by law, with the fish well and truly above the legal slot limit size of 75cm.
Fishing regulations, such as the Murray cod bag and size limits, apply to help ensure healthy and sustainable fisheries for future generations.
Size limits aim to allow fish to reach maturity and complete their breeding cycle, while bag limits help make sure everyone gets a fair share of the resource and species are not overfished.
Two attended lines are permitted in all non-tidal waters other than some trout waters.
Attended lines must be within 50 metres, in your sight and have no more than 2 hooks per line & 3 treble hooks attached to a lure per line (except some trout waters). Hand lines are not permitted in trout waters.
NSW DPI Fisheries states that traps and nets permitted for use are the yabby trap, shrimp trap, hoop net, hand hauled yabby net and landing net, with the Opera House style trap only permitted for use west of the Newell Highway.
No other traps and nets are permitted in inland waters. Legal dimensions, mesh sizes and closed areas for traps and nets are available from your local Fisheries Office.
In certain waters, you may use, or have in your possession, a maximum of 5 yabby traps, 1 shrimp trap and 5 hoop (lift) nets - all tagged with your name and address.
Submit a fishing story or photo: matt@reddenhansen.com.au.